Attorneys general are a leading consumer protection force in the country, generally receiving their authority from state consumer protection laws giving the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state or territory. Some federal statutes also give attorneys general jurisdiction to enforce federal consumer protection laws. Additional consumer protection authority is based on the common law.
Attorneys general serve the public in a variety of ways in the sphere of consumer protection. These include:
- Education: Making consumers aware of their consumer rights and potential scams/frauds through speaking engagements, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices, social media, and other communications.
- Mediation: Serving as an independent mediator regarding disputes that consumers have with businesses.
- Consumers can file complaints with attorneys general, some of which offer a mediation service generally relying on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business. The mediator, who is independent and neutral, acts as a "go between" for the consumer and the business. Consumer complaints can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process.
- Enforcement: Investigation, settlement, and litigation of consumer protection matters.
Learn more about the role of attorneys general in consumer protection or how attorneys general work together on consumer protection matters.
Areas of Interest
Attorneys general have broad jurisdiction when it comes to consumer protection. Below are some of the numerous topics addressed by attorneys general.
- Annuities
- Automobiles
- Debt Relief
- Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
- Do-Not-Call/Robocalls
- For-Profit Colleges
- Government Imposters
- Health Fraud
- Mortgage Servicing
- Natural Disasters
- Predatory Leasing
- Privacy and Identity Theft
- Scams
- Seniors
- Servicemembers and Veterans
- Student Learn Servicing
- Telecommunication
Learn more about these topics by visiting ConsumerResources.org.
Courses and Trainings
- Charities
- Consumer Protection
- Charities
- Consumer Protection
Policy Letters
- Consumer Protection
- Presidential Initiative
NAAG Urges FTC to Create Robust Rule Outlawing Impersonation Scams
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) sent a letter signed by 49 attorneys general in response to a request…
- Consumer Protection
- Public Health
NAAG Responds to FDA’s Comment Request on New Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Rules
In response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding new rules regulating over-the-counter hearing…
- Consumer Protection
NAAG asked FCC to curb foreign-based illegal robocalls
The attorneys general are asking the FCC to require gateway providers to take additional measures to reduce robocalls, including: Responding…
